Work Life Collision

It was not long ago we were juggling dual careers AND raising three active boys. I know what it’s like to literally juggle way too many balls in the air and yes sometimes a couple fell. I came up with multiple strategies to be productive and stay engaged with my family. Never perfect, but always mindful of my priorities and I communicated them early and often. This did not prevent the 4:30 p.m. request by a boss for something to be done in the morning or the feelings of uneasiness to be out of the office for yet ‘another’ appointment for your child. 

This pandemic has only complicated things with the lines often erased between ‘home’ and ‘work’ i.e. ‘homeworking’. It’s back to school and new routines have to be established and it is not like it was before. That familiar routine you had down locked, is now in your rear-view mirror. 

What is needed is understanding and empathy from leaders to work with and create a collaborative environment for employees. Leaders need to trust their employees with the flexibility they need to get the job done and take care of their loved ones. It is possible.  If there is that one employee that is not being productive, address that one employee only.

When employees are valued and respected in all areas of their lives, they will give you back more than you ask of them time and time again. So, take the pressure off your team and give them the room and the trust needed to adapt and succeed at work. Then we all win. 

“In a time of crisis we all have the potential to morph up to a new level and do things we never thought possible”. - Stuart Wilde